introductory scene

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "introductory scene" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the opening part of a narrative, play, or film that sets the stage for the story. Example: "The introductory scene of the movie effectively establishes the main character's background and motivations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The camerawork and the editing in this introductory scene, as throughout, are jagged and seemingly crude.

The New York Times

Yet after the unsettling introductory scene of Hester's postabortion ablutions, the carnage seems sapped of power.

The New York Times

Whether consciously or not, the moment echoes the introductory scene from Woody Allen's 1984 comedy Broadway Danny Rose.

The Guardian - Film

You'll start by reading an introductory scene that describes a horrible crime or impenetrable mystery, and then you'll be let loose to investigate however you see fit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But as this is my book, let's leave this introductory scene and make some wry observations about both the characters and their Victorian values.

The Guardian - Books

Jacobson's introductory scene is highly energetic, whizzing into the chicken coup after taking a cold shower and gulping down the yolk of a raw egg.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Even the introductory scenes, which are forgotten by mid-story, reveal confusion about what could have been a smart, simple premise.

The New York Times

In 1984, "The Pope of Greenwich Village," starring Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts, offered some tantalizing introductory scenes featuring waiter thievery and kitchen-help frictions in a Greenwich Village establishment.

The New York Times

"Cast Away" doesn't begin working its spell until its introductory scenes of its harried hero and his fiancee are out of the way.

The New York Times

Chrisander would have done much better to give more footage to some of his introductory scenes, even if he had to clip out those that are only moderately interesting and of no great weight to the story.

The New York Times

After their introductory scenes, when each is allowed a defining crotchet or two, Lester, Pilar and Maybelle are pretty much interchangeable as characters, except when they contribute something to the puzzle-solving from their specific technical backgrounds.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "introductory scene" when you specifically want to emphasize the beginning part of a narrative that sets the stage for what follows. Make sure the context clearly defines what is being introduced, such as characters, setting, or plot.

Common error

Avoid using "introductory scene" and "opening scene" interchangeably if you want to be precise. While similar, "opening scene" simply denotes the first scene, whereas "introductory scene" implies that the scene is setting up something that will be explored later.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "introductory scene" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a specific part of a narrative or performance whose primary purpose is to begin the story. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it commonly precedes a description of that scene's content.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

12%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "introductory scene" is a common noun phrase used to describe the initial part of a narrative that sets the stage for the story. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While "opening scene" is a close alternative, "introductory scene" specifically implies a setup for what's to come. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being introduced. Common alternatives include "opening scene" and "initial scene". Be precise when interchanging it with "establishing scene", as they have distinct meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening scene

Focuses specifically on the act of opening or beginning a performance, film, or narrative; highly interchangeable.

initial scene

Emphasizes the position of the scene as the very first, similar to "opening scene".

preliminary scene

Highlights the preparatory or groundwork-laying nature of the scene.

scena iniziale

Italian translation, useful for multilingual contexts or when discussing foreign films/plays.

induction scene

Implies a process of being led into the main story or events.

first scene

A more literal and straightforward way of referring to the beginning.

establishing scene

Highlights the role of the scene in setting the tone, characters, or context.

exposition scene

More specifically refers to a scene that primarily provides background information.

scene of introduction

Inverts the structure for emphasis, keeping similar meaning.

introductory sequence

Broader term encompassing multiple introductory elements, not just a single scene.

FAQs

How to use "introductory scene" in a sentence?

You can use "introductory scene" to describe the beginning of a film, play, or book. For example: "The "introductory scene" of the movie effectively establishes the main character's background."

What can I say instead of "introductory scene"?

You can use alternatives like "opening scene", "initial scene", or "preliminary scene" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "introductory scene" or "introduction scene"?

"Introductory scene" is the more common and grammatically sound phrase. "Introduction scene" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "introductory scene" and "establishing scene"?

While both appear early in a story, an "introductory scene" sets the overall context and characters, while an "establishing scene" specifically provides crucial background information necessary for understanding the plot.